Process for enhancing aesthetic or medical skin procedure

ABSTRACT

The present invention is used to help individuals in improving the results of a skin aesthetic procedure. Furthermore, the present invention is based on individual-specific information, provides the individual with skin treatment recommendations prior to the skin aesthetic procedure, and recommends the factors to enhance the skin aesthetic procedures.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/409,843, filed Apr. 09, 2003, entitled “PROCESS FOR MEASURING THE SKIN SURFACE OF AN EXAMINED PERSON,” allowed, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method that uses diagnostic imaging combined with biometric analysis to determine the conditions of the skin prior to a medical or cosmetic treatment and provide recommendations and information to enhance efficiency of the provision of medical or cosmetic skin aesthetic procedures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dermal biometrics techniques (bioengineering techniques) have significantly improved over the last decade. Measurement of skin properties and function became critical in supporting representations for products placed in the mass retail trade. The type of skin conditions that are tested include moisture, firmness, elasticity, sebum amount, skin thickness, skin profile, trans-epidermal water loss (barrier function), and photographic analysis (visible and UV to determine photo damage).

Currently, in the field of esthetics (both medical and non-medical) the skin care professional relies on a variety of factors to prescribe specific skin treatments for the skin of an individual. These include personal clinical evaluation of the skin with such tools as a diopter magnifier, wood's lamp, specialized lighting and manual techniques manipulating the skin for various assessments.

The esthetic anti-aging market has grown dramatically with respect to new introductions of equipment, such as many new esthetic lasers (wavelengths ablation techniques, cooling techniques, and fractional devices), plasma devices, radio frequency devices (both mono and bipolar), LED technology, new mechanical abrasion technology, ultrasound penetration, photodynamic therapy and new lipolysis techniques, both laser and injectable.

Some of these new techniques utilized high energy, heat and radio frequency techniques, as well as aggressive chemicals. All of these devices in one way or another come in contact with the stratum corneum, epidermis, dermis and/or adipose layer of the skin. Often, these new pieces of equipment and procedures produce unpredictable effects on the skin.

Most of these techniques and/or products will affect the skin dramatically, therefore the condition of the skin's structure and function should be known as completely as possible to mitigate the potential for side effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a method of recommending a skin aesthetic procedure, along with the factors to be used in the skin aesthetic procedure based on the conditions of the skin of the individual.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method that combines the use of specific diagnostic imaging with biometric testing to better understand skin structure and function before initiating procedures on skin to improve skin procedure outcomes.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method that provides recommendations for the selection of the best factors on skin care treatments that enhance efficiency of the skin care treatment.

The present invention is directed to a method for determining the conditions of a skin of an individual and providing recommendations on the optimal factors that need to be used during the procedure to optimize the skin care treatment, the method comprising the steps of:

-   a) receiving information from the individual regarding the skin     aesthetic procedure the individual desires to have performed; -   b) determining at least one skin condition of the individual prior     to the administration of the skin aesthetic procedure; -   c) optionally comparing the determined skin conditions with a     predetermined baseline skin conditions list; -   d) optionally pre-treating the skin of the individual by     conditioning the skin prior to the skin aesthetic procedure; -   e) selecting the most efficacious factors for the desired skin     aesthetic procedure based on the skin condition; -   f) providing recommendations to the individual for the skin care     treatments procedure based on the selected factors to enhance     efficiency of the skin aesthetic procedure; -   g) optionally performing the skin aesthetic procedure; and -   h) post-treating the skin of the individual by conditioning the skin     after the skin aesthetic procedure.

The skin conditions are determined by using biometric and imaging techniques.

The biometric techniques and imaging techniques are selected from at least one of the following:

-   measuring skin moisture content via corneometry; -   measuring sebum content via sebumetry; -   measuring firmness and elasticity properties via cutometry; -   measuring skin thickness via sonography; -   measuring barrier function via trans-epidermal water loss; -   measuring skin color via chromametry; -   measuring skin roughness via profilometry; -   measuring blood flow via laser-doppler flowmetry; -   measuring wrinkles, texture and pore size via visible light imaging; -   measuring photo-damage, oil balance and bacteria via ultraviolet     light imaging; and -   measuring relative acid-alkaline property of the skin via skin pH.

Furthermore, the method of the present invention optionally comprises the step of repairing the skin conditions prior to the skin aesthetic procedure and remediating skin conditions after the procedure for faster healing times.

The method of the present invention is designed to provide the best skin treatment care to the individual based on the skin conditions.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood and so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other processes for determining esthetic or medical skin treatments for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for determining the conditions of a skin of an individual and providing recommendations on the factors to be used on skin care treatments procedure, the method comprising the steps of:

-   a) receiving information from the individual regarding the skin     aesthetic procedure the individual desires to have performed; -   b) determining at least one skin condition of the individual prior     to the administration of the skin aesthetic procedure; -   c) optionally comparing the determined skin conditions with a     predetermined baseline skin conditions list; -   d) optionally pre-treating the skin of the individual by     conditioning the skin prior to the skin aesthetic procedure; -   e) selecting the most efficacious factors for the desired skin     aesthetic procedure based on the skin condition; -   f) providing recommendations to the individual for the skin care     treatments procedure based on the selected factors to enhance     efficiency of the skin aesthetic procedure; -   g) optionally performing the skin aesthetic procedure; and -   h) post-treating the skin of the individual by conditioning the skin     after the skin aesthetic procedure.

The present invention is used to help individuals in improving the results of a skin aesthetic procedure. Furthermore, the present invention is based on individual-specific information, provides the individual with skin treatment recommendations prior to the skin aesthetic procedure, and recommends the factors to enhancement of the skin aesthetic procedures.

Based on a selection of the skin conditions, a method consistent with the invention may, for example, identify a recommended level skin penetration during laser ablation procedure.

Receiving Information from the Individual Regarding the Skin Aesthetic Procedure the Individual Desires to Have Performed.

The information is received from the individual regarding one or more of the individual's facial and body features and the aesthetic improvements they desired to have performed. The reception of the individual-specific information may be performed using one or more of a network, oral communication, visual communication, written communication, physical data carrier, and/or any other means capable of conveying information.

The individual meets with a trained professional who is the individual's primary contact during the aesthetic improvement process, and provides individual-specific information to identify the individual's appearance-related issues, concerns and needs. This process results in the identification of all the individual's aesthetic needs that are articulated from the individual's point of view. This is followed by a detailed individual-professional discussion or consultation about each of the areas identified by the individual and how they tie together to impact the individual's overall appearance.

One embodiment of the invention may include the step of obtaining personal information about the individual. The personal information may be obtained in a variety of ways, including electronically and manually. For example, by receiving the individual response to a questionnaire. The questionnaire may include a series of questions that ask the individual to supply various items of information, such as physical characteristics, demographic, environmental, medical history, lifestyle, dietary supplement use, family history, beauty product usage, and other personal information about the individual.

Determining at Least One Skin Condition of the Individual Prior to the Administration of the Skin Aesthetic Procedure.

The present invention includes the step of determining the skin conditions of the individual prior to the skin care treatment.

Clinical Photography

Clinical photography includes, but is not limited to, the following:

-   a) a digital camera preferably utilizing a CMOS chip; -   b) a through-the-lens metering system to adjust lighting; -   c) a specific, repeatable distance and geometry from the camera lens     to the face to the light source; -   d) a preferable minimum of a 6 megapixel camera; -   e) software with the ability to magnify the image and compare prior     or different light sources images; -   f) the ability to utilize an ultraviolet filtering system to absorb     ultraviolet reflectance in color. -   g) cross polarization and specific wavelength manipulation via     computer to elucidate surface blood circulation, vasularity,     pigmentation, etc.

Clinical Biometrics

-   measurement of trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) -   pH -   elasticity -   calorimetric measurements -   sebum measurements -   hydration measurements -   ultrasound skin thickness measurements -   others as needed

Objective biometric instrumentation techniques can be used to measure skin moisture content, sebum content, firmness and elasticity properties, skin thickness, trans-epidermal water loss, and to perform a photo analysis of the face with UV and visible light. An example of possible, but not limiting, instrumentation techniques can be found listed in the following table:

Technique Skin Condition Measured

Trans-epidermal water loss Barrier function Corneometry Skin Moisture Chromametry Skin Color Cutometry Skin Elasticity & Firmness Sebumetry Skin sebum Sonography Skin thickness Profilometry Skin roughness Laser-Doppler flowmetry Blood flow Visible Imaging Wrinkles, texture, pore size Ultraviolet Imaging Photo-damage, oil balance, bacteria Skin pH Relative acid-alkaline property of skin

There are many more bioengineering techniques available as well. By using any combination of these techniques, one can characterize aspects of the subject's skin structure and function at a point in time. These techniques can be used to evaluate a subject's skin in a smaller, less clinical and more comfortable environment in less time.

Furthermore, all of these techniques are non-invasive and therefore safe for both the subject and the analyst.

The data obtained from the biometric instrumentation techniques provide a very good understanding of the current condition of an individual's skin structure and function at that point in time.

Comparing the Determined Skin Conditions with a Predetermined Baseline Skin Conditions List (Optional)

Another second step of the method of the present invention is the comparison of an individual's skin condition with a pre-established data set of skin conditions. This step is of particular value because it provides information about the degree of an individual's skin condition relative to other populations of interest. This would help in choosing specific factors on each skin care treatment needed to obtain the best treatment results without deteriorating the skin of the individual.

This step compares the individual's skin conditions on a normative scale relative to their age, ethnic background and other pre-programmed database information. Measured factors can be stored within the local computer or a distant computer network. Customers can be provided at a future time with the factors for purposes of showing progression or remediation of the skin's conditions.

Furthermore, the database may contain information reflecting relationships between categories of individual-specific information and aesthetic improvement advice. The purpose of accessing such a database is to ascertain the relational basis between the individual-specific information and the advice sought by specific individuals. Preferably, the database also includes a section including “Best Practices” list. That is, a specific treatment protocol that has been judged optimal by a panel of medical and/or aesthetic experts. The protocols are outcome based and proven to be efficacious, safe, and exhibit high client satisfaction.

Examples of pre-established databases include a collection of skin conditions from people of the same age and gender of the individual, a collection of skin conditions from people with the same type of problems, or a collection of skin conditions of the same individual at different points in time, such as different times of year.

The pre-established condition baseline data could be contained in a spreadsheet or an internet database. Preferably, statistical information such as mean, median and trends would be available for the preset condition baseline data.

Comparing the individual's skin condition to the preset skin conditions baseline data set could include plotting the individual's skin condition data on a graph versus the preset skin condition data or calculating the difference between the individual's scores versus the mean or median scores from the preset data set. Other graphical, mathematical and statistical analysis of the individual's skin conditions versus the preset skin conditions baseline data set are possible and are deemed within the scope of this invention.

Pre-treating the Skin of the Individual

Another step of the method of the present invention is to pre-treat the skin of the individual by conditioning the skin prior to the aesthetic procedure to enhance the efficiency of the procedure.

The pre-treatment step according to the present invention is designed for pre-conditioning the skin of the individual to render the area of skin to be treated more receptive and responsive to the skin aesthetic procedure. Basically, the area of the skin to be treated is conditioned to reduce any undesirable dermatological condition.

The skin may be preconditioned by cleaning, toning, moisturizing, exfoliating, and/or using well known cosmetic products/compositions to correct the undesirable dermatological condition.

The trained professional along with a medical professional, such as a technician, dermatologist, nurse practitioner, physical assistant, physician, and the like, will determine how to pre-condition the skin in order to obtain the best results.

Adding the step of pre-conditioning the skin provides improved effectiveness to the results of the aesthetic skin procedure, rather than using the procedure alone.

Selecting the Most Efficacious Skin Aesthetic Procedure Factors Based on the Results of the Comparing Step.

Another step of the method of the present invention is to provide recommendations for the skin care treatments procedure based on the selected factors to enhance efficiency of the skin care treatment.

The skin conditioning analysis and comparing steps are conducted by a trained professional. The reviewing steps are conducted by the trained professional along with a medical professional, such as a technician, dermatologist, nurse practitioner, physical assistant, physician, and the like. All together meet to discuss the types of aesthetic improvement procedures that the individual desires to have performed and the individual-specific skin conditions.

Providing Recommendations and Information to Enhance Efficiency of the Skin Care Treatment

The group will make a decision on why factors should be used during the skin aesthetic procedure based on the individual skin conditions.

For example, based on a selection of the skin conditions, a method consistent with the invention may, for example, identify a recommended level skin penetration during laser ablation procedure.

The list of factors to be selected will depend on the skin aesthetic procedure to be performed. Each skin aesthetic procedure comes from the manufacturer with a list of factors to be taken into account.

Based on the skin conditions, the medical professional will have to choose the values of each factor.

Furthermore, if the skin conditions are detrimental, the individual will have to repair the skin conditions prior to starting the skin aesthetic procedure.

The present inventor noted that as the values of the barrier parameter increases, patients having ablative laser procedure felt a lot of pain. After long research, the present inventor discovered that when the barrier was <3, the pain was reduced.

The following table illustrates a list of optimal skin conditions for each aesthetic procedure

Non- Skin Micro Chemical Ablative Ablative RF Condition dermabrasion IPL peels laser laser Injections device TEWL  <6  <3  <6  <3  <6  <6  <3 Hydration >40 >40 >60 >60 >60 >60 >60 pH 4.5-5.5 4.5-5.5 4.5-5.5 4.8-5.2 4.5-5.5 4.5-5.5 4.8-5.2 Elasticity >40 >40 >40 >50 >40 >40 >50 Sebum 20-40 20-40 20-40 20-60 20-60 20-60 20-40

Performing the Skin Aesthetic Procedures

In an embodiment, a method may optionally include providing and/or performing one or more aesthetic improvement procedures to the individual.

Post-conditioning the Skin of the Individual After the Aesthetic Procedure

Optionally, the present invention contemplates the step of post-conditioning the skin after the aesthetic skin procedure. The type of aesthetic skin procedure performed on the skin will dictate the suitable post-conditioning composition required after the aesthetic treatment.

Post-conditioning the skin after the aesthetic procedure enhances the benefits of the aesthetic procedure by ensuring that skin heals quickly and reducing the post-procedural reactions or complications. This step extends the duration of the cosmetic benefit received.

The skin may be preconditioned by cleaning, toning, moisturizing, exfoliating, and/or using well known cosmetic products/compositions.

The trained professional along with a medical professional, such as a technician, dermatologist, nurse practitioner, physical assistant, physician, and the like, will determined how to post-condition the skin in order to obtain the best results.

EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

Several examples are set forth below to further illustrate the nature of the invention and the manner of carrying it out. However, the invention should not be considered as being limited to the details.

Skin Aesthetic Procedure—Ablation

The present invention is explained using the skin aesthetic procedure of ablation, but is not limited to ablation. The present invention may be used to select the factors for any skin care treatment known in the art.

A common procedure in esthetic management is the ablation of a certain depth of skin by lasers to initiate collagen renewal and improved skin tone & texture. This procedure utilizes a particular laser wavelength at specific energy input, bandwidth, cooling and other variables. The results often vary relative to pain level, recovery and efficacy. Often there is no understanding as to the reason for these variances.

Quantitative measurement of TEWL, hydration and oil are critical in understanding the outcome of these types of procedures. TEWL (often called barrier function) is an indicator of the barrier function of the skin. This relates to lipid arrangement in the stratum corneum. It has been determined that the higher the TEWL measurement is before the procedure, the less efficacious the procedure outcome is. Similarly hydration of the stratum corneum is a critical factor in the efficacy of many of these procedures as well.

Furthermore, the present inventor noted that as the values of the barrier parameter increases, patients having ablative laser procedure felt a lot of pain. After long research, the present inventor discovered that when the barrier was <3, the pain was reduced.

The lower the hydration, the less effective the treatment results. Sebum output is critical as well. Sebum output in skin, which has undergone an aggressive procedure, can increase 100-300% for up to a week after the procedure. Managing excessive sebum after these procedures often determines success or failure particularly with regard to individuals who experience acneic breakouts, Rosacea or related skin conditions.

Laser ablation includes CO2, erbium and other methods that ablate stratum corneum and epidermal tissue. These ablation techniques are usually 10 microns and deeper. The deeper the technique, the more important is the condition of the skin prior to ablation. In these ablation techniques utilizing the Courage & Khazaka Multi Test Center Model MC 750.

The following measurements and skin conditions are important:

Moisture via the corneometer method which is a capacitive method of measure skin hydration. The moisture measurement utilizing this method according to the manufacturer should be greater than 40 for optimal results.

Barrier function which is measured via trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) using the open chamber method. The TEWL measurement utilizing this method according to the manufacturer should be below 3 for optimal results.

pH which measures the relative acid-alkalinity balance of the skin. The pH measurement should fall within the range of 4.5-5.5 preferably closer to 5.0.

Sebum concentration on the skin surface which is measured utilizing sebu-tape and the Sebumeter method. The values should be between 20 and 40 micrograms.

Measuring elasticity as a comparative measure is very important in ablation since many times improved results may be incremental at first and one can measure the results without depending on a visual inspection. This measurement is taken with a suction and relaxation method known as cutometry. Values of above 60 at optimal while below that indicate a need for improvement of skin elasticity whether it is collagen or elastin based.

Pigmentation and redness values are important comparative measures and can be used to fine tune treatments such as Rosacea and acne. It can also be used to determine residue erythemic responses to treatments so as to refine these treatments for better healing time in the future. These are all comparative measures since each person's skin pigmentation and redness values will be different.

Ultrasound is utilized to determine epidermal, dermal and adipose layer thickness. In many cases dermal tissue is atrophied in individuals due to prolonged use of a variety of topically applied compounds, treatments and services and/or basic genetics. Determining these three layers thickness is critical in achieving optimal results in techniques such as lasers where the secondary targets of the technique can be to coagulate collagen and elastin in the dermis to achieve a tightening effect or to disrupt the adipose layer to achieve an anti-cellulite look on the skin. Epidermal thickness should be, dermal thickness should be and adipose thickness should be.

After extensive search and research, the present inventor discovered that the optimal skin conditions for ablation are as follows:

TEWL Index less than 5 g/m² Sebum between 10-50 micrograms Hydration Above 50.

Specific Equipment Used:

-   Courage & Khazaka: Corneometer® CM 825, Sebumeter® SM 815,     Tewameter® TM 300

Method Used:

An individual visits a medical office, medical spa, hospital, spa environment, or a specialty skin care boutique. Inside the office/hospital/spa/boutique, the subject is escorted to a climate recorded room. Inside the room, the individual engages in an evaluation with the personal consultant and fills out paperwork. The individual completes the documents inside the climate controlled room for two reasons: to gather relevant information about the individual and to acclimate the subject's skin to a specific, known temperature and humidity contained in the room, so as to allow for repeatable measurements in future assessments. This process takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Next, the individual changes into an appropriate garment for the assessment. The skin area to be analyzed undergoes a specific preparation protocol. Either a mild washing procedure or other preparation is undertaken to standardize the preparation procedure for future assessments. The following procedures can be performed on any part of the subject's skin. For ease of explanation, the following example will focus on the subject's face. However, this discussion should not be construed as limiting the invention.

The following techniques are preferred primarily due to the fact that the results of the analysis are actionable from a topical skin care delivery system.

The individual is placed in a reclining chair/chaise and placed in a standardized, semi-prone comfortable position. The semi-prone position is utilized so that the individual's skin can be measured in the same position each time the test is done. The same position should be used to avoid negatively affecting skin tautness, which could create an inaccurate elasticity/firmness analysis, as well as negatively impacting other testing techniques and values.

The biometric and imaging devices can be calibrated by the analyst before the individual arrives. Then, the analyst will digitally photograph the individual's face in the standardized position with a visible and then a UV light source or other. The visible imaging measures overall appearance, wrinkles, texture and pore size. The UV imaging measures photo-damage, melanin concentration, oil balance and bacterial presence. The subject's photographs can appear on the monitor and also can be captured on the hard drive of the computer. The imaging is done by digital high-resolution photography with a visible light source and a UV light source or other light sources or wavelength manipulation. The images are sent directly to the computer. Additionally, each of the measurements taken throughout the testing process is automatically recorded into the computer.

Next, the analyst sets the instrument in the moisturization mode. The probe is placed on approximately five fixed positions on the face, but the number of fixed positions may vary depending upon the circumstances. The computer automatically records the moisture level of those positions. The data is recorded in Seiman units, which is a measure of electrical conductance. The higher the water content of the skin, the higher the electrical conductance.

Interpretation Skin Ablation

Pre-procedure Biometric requirement for optimal Analysis outcome TEWL Index values less than 5 Sebum Arbitrary units between 10-50 Hydration Above 50

Hyper-pigmentation

The treatment of hyper-pigmentation is also somewhat difficult to predict. There are multiple root causes of hyper-pigmentation, which can range from genetic predisposition resulting in melanin banding patterns and freckles, to hormonally induced melamsa which can be either dermal or epidermal in nature or there can be oxidative damage from sources such as environmental pollutants, smoking and sun exposure resulting in DNA damage via dimer creation or actinic keratosis as well as post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. While there is an effective tool called the Fitzpatrick scale for understanding skin types, it relies on subject answers and subjective observations from the individual and skin care professional. Unfortunately with the advent of these new mechanical and chemical procedures, a better understanding is required to treat these skin conditions. For example, with color ultraviolet imaging one can clearly discern dermal vs. epidermal melasma and treat the conditions uniquely and monitor the efficacy of the treatments. One can also discern oxidative damage in skin from hormonally induced damage which leads to more targeted treatment approaches.

Measuring quantitatively the erythemic value in skin as well as the melanin concentration can also allow the professional to avoid potential post-inflammatory inflammation reactions in skin by understanding the true melanin concentration in skin before performing the procedure. This can be missed by simply utilizing the Fitzpatrick scaling technique.

Same Method as Above Equipment Used

-   Visible and ultraviolet photography -   Mexameter® MX 18

Assessment Image Analysis Visible Determination of patterning (map like, wavelength irregular spotting, symmetry, density) Ultraviolet Presence of pigmentation to determine wavelength epidermal or dermal presence, intensity of reflection, fluorescence pattern of reflection Biometric Analysis Mexameter ® MX 18 Determines melanin concentration in skin Average melanin concentration over a value of 40 may indicate potential for post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation

Elasticity

Elasticity is the measure of the laxcity of the skin. It is a measurement not a condition. It gives us information as to the condition of the collagen and elastin in the skin.

One can also evaluate skin elasticity quantitatively utilizing the elasticity measurement. This is critically important when deciding upon a course of action which may take several treatments to assess results when improving rhytids, fine lines and wrinkles. Measurement of the firmness and elasticity of the skin will reveal changes in the skin's elasticity before the eye can detect the change. This will give the professional information that may make the difference in the next course of treatment relative to dose, energy input, type of treatment etc.

Method Used: as above Equipment Used

-   Cutometer

Image Analysis assessment Overlay of Visible Ultraviolet image only spectrum image with reflects nucleated cells so Ultraviolet reflectance qualitative depth profile can image be established by comparing visible and UV Cutometer ®. Determines elasticity behavior of skin to understand collagen and elastin values under 30 require intervention.

This Matrix Describes Selective Pre-service Factors which Optimize Efficacy and Safety of Skin Procedures

Skin ablation/micro- Intense pulse light, chemical dermabrasion peels, chemical intervention Wrinkle Hyper-pigmentation correction, tone Melasma, sun damage, oxidative and texture remediation Visible Ensure no open Identification of specific imaging skin/suspected identifying patterning areas of cancer Ultraviolet Assess depth of Assessment of epidermal or dermal reflectance rhytids, cysts, presence, depth & intensity imaging scars or other analomies by visible - ultraviolet overlay TEWL  <5  <7 Hydration >50 >50 pH 4.5-5.5 4.5-5.5 Sebum  10-50  10-80 Melanin >40 assess for Assess before and after to Post- determine quantitative result inflammatory hyper- pigmentation Elasticity document document 

1. A method for determining the conditions of a skin of an individual and providing recommendations on the factors to be used on at least one skin aesthetic procedure, the method comprising the steps of: a) obtaining information from the individual regarding the skin aesthetic procedure the individual desires to have performed; b) determining at least one skin condition of the individual prior to the administration of the skin aesthetic procedure; c) optionally comparing the determined skin conditions with a pre-determined baseline skin conditions list; d) optionally pre-treating the skin of the individual by conditioning the skin prior to the skin aesthetic procedure; e) selecting the most efficacious factors for the desired skin aesthetic procedure based on the skin condition; f) providing recommendations to the individual for the skin care treatments procedure based on the selected factors to enhance efficiency of the skin aesthetic procedure; g) performing the skin aesthetic procedure; and h) post-treating the skin of the individual by conditioning the skin after the skin aesthetic procedure.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the on at least one skin aesthetic procedure is selected from micro dermabrassion, IPL, chemical peels, ablative laser, non-ablative laser, injections, plasma devices, radio frequency devices, LED technology, ultrasound penetration, photodynamic therapy, lipolysis, and combination thereof.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the skin conditions are determined by using biometric and imaging techniques.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the biometric techniques and imaging techniques are selected from at least one of the following: measuring skin moisture content via corneometry; measuring sebum content via sebumetry; measuring firmness and elasticity properties via cutometry; measuring skin thickness via sonography; measuring barrier function via trans-epidermal water loss; measuring skin color via chromametry; measuring skin roughness via profilometry; measuring blood flow via laser-doppler flowmetry; measuring wrinkles, texture and pore size via visible light imaging; measuring photo-damage, oil balance and bacteria via ultraviolet light imaging; measuring relative acid-alkaline property of the skin via skin pH, or combination thereof.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of performing the at least one skin aesthetic procedure on the individual based on the recommendations.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the skin care treatment is ablation and the skin condition includes barrier function, skin moisture, and oil content of the skin.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein further comprising treating the skin based on the skin conditions prior to the skin aesthetic procedure.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein further comprising the step of obtaining personal information about the individual, wherein the personal information is obtained by filling out a questionnaire.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the skin is pre-treated by cleaning, toning, moisturizing, exfoliating, applying cosmetic products/compositions, or combination thereof.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the skin is post-treated by cleaning, toning, moisturizing, exfoliating, applying cosmetic products/compositions, or combination thereof. 